Oktoberfest is world-famous for its giant beer tents, live music and Bavarian traditions, but you don’t have to travel to Munich to enjoy the festivities. One beautiful European city has been hailed as one of the best alternative destinations to celebrate, offering £2.30 pints and free entry.
The Munich festival, which drew an incredible 6.7 million visitors in 2024, is set to return from September 20 to October 5, 2025. Interest is already soaring, with Google searches in the UK for “Oktoberfest” rising by 113% this month alone.
But for Brits who want the Oktoberfest experience without the Munich crowds or costs, city break experts at Travel Republic have revealed a list of top European destinations to celebrate. And sitting in the top five is Barcelona.
The Catalan capital attracts more than 10,000 attendees every year to its own version of the German festival.
The event brings all the hallmarks of traditional Oktoberfest, steins of beer, long communal tables, German sausages, live oompah bands, and even folk dancing, but at a fraction of the price.
Unlike Munich, where entry fees and table reservations can set visitors back, entry to Barcelona’s festival is completely free during the day. And the biggest draw? The cost of beer.
A pint in Munich typically comes in at around €15.25 (£13.50), but in Barcelona, it’s just €2.65 (£2.30), a difference of more than £11 per drink.
Beyond the beer, Barcelona offers visitors sunshine, tapas, beaches and world-class culture, making it a perfect autumn city break.
And with 12,000 Brits searching online for “Barcelona Oktoberfest” in the past month, it seems UK travellers are already eyeing up the alternative celebration.
A Travel Republic spokesperson said: “Munich may be the spiritual home of Oktoberfest, but there are incredible celebrations across Europe that offer the same atmosphere without the higher prices.
“Barcelona is a brilliant option for Brits who want the best of both worlds, an authentic Oktoberfest experience and a vibrant city break.”
With its free entry, lively Bavarian-style beer tents and pints for less than the price of a coffee in London, Barcelona’s Oktoberfest is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after autumn festivals.
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